Islamabad (Hayat News): Senior journalist and political analyst Rauf Klasra strongly criticized Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal for introducing a Rs213 billion municipal tax on Islamabad residents, questioning the government’s past handling of public funds.
Klasra demanded accountability for the Rs700 billion collected since 2010 under the Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC) for the Pak-Iran gas pipeline, which, he noted, has yet to be constructed. “Citizens paid billions through electricity bills, gas charges, and CNG levies, but the pipeline never materialized. Where did the money go?” he asked.
He further alleged that despite falling global oil prices, the government withheld relief in petrol and diesel rates, citing road projects in Balochistan as justification. “Even those billions remain unaccounted for,” Klasra remarked.
Turning his criticism directly toward Ahsan Iqbal, the analyst said the minister had repeatedly failed to plan even a 24-kilometer stretch of Islamabad properly. “If the capital city is in such disrepair under your leadership, how can you justify imposing another massive tax?” he questioned.
Klasra argued that before demanding another Rs213 billion from the people of Islamabad in the name of a new medical complex, the government must first provide a full explanation of the Rs700 billion GIDC fund and the revenues collected under the petroleum levy for Balochistan projects.
